Art enthusiasts are invited to enjoy an evening of fine art, music, film and theater this weekend during the second annual Arts After Dark festival at Historic Smithville Park.
The special free event features an eclectic mix of artists, musicians and performers from across the county and region in a celebration of creativity and self-expression in the park galleries and outdoors on Smithville’s grounds.
“Burlington County is known for its natural scenery, history, and also a vibrant and diverse arts scene. Arts After Dark provides a showcase for all three,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, the Board’s liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “It’s the perfect night out for couples and families to take in all the beauty and history of Smithville under the stars, while also enjoying some of the fine art creations, music, entertainment and food from many of our county’s most outstanding artisans.”
The event will be held on Sept. 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
New this year will be a special interactive film production. If you’ve ever wanted to see a motion picture get made or wondered about what it is a dolly grip, gaffer or Best Boy does? Now’s your chance to learn while watching a real film crew at work. Also, for those who missed this year’s inaugural Burlington County Juried Short Film Festival, the award-winning short films will be screened for visitors to enjoy.
Three separate art exhibits will also be featured during the event. On display in the Smithville Annex Gallery will be the Willingboro Art Alliance’s 2022 Summer Open Show featuring works from local artists in all mediums, including oil and watercolor paintings, pastels, pen and ink and collages. In the Worker’s House Gallery will be an exhibit of stained-glass creations, and there will also be a pop-up exhibit in the special event tent featuring a large selection of artwork previously exhibited in both galleries, along with some carefully curated selections of rarely seen works by the one and only Hugh Campbell.
There will also be artisan vendors displaying their crafts in the Night Market, a live mural project, jazz performances by the Mark Smith Quintet and Gentlemen Three, stand-up comedy by Soul Joel’s Comedy Club, a performance of “Miscast” by the Bridge Players Theater Company and a special wine and cheese tasting hosted by Main Street Mount Holly and the Cheese Etc and Gourmet Gifts.
There will be food trucks and other delicious refreshments and more.
More exciting events and programs are planned this fall. For a complete rundown, visit the Burlington County Parks website at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/235/Parks and click on the Fall Program Guide.
“Burlington County has one of the best parks systems in the nation and events like Arts After Dark are a great way to experience some of the natural beauty, history and fun our county parks, galleries and museums have to offer,” Eckel said. “It’s a great night out and a perfect way to support the arts in our county. You don’t want to miss it.”
